CARMEL COLLEGE Catholic School for Girls Year 7 to Year 13
“We embrace the empowerment of women and the need to recognise a purpose bigger than our own.” – Carmel College Charter
“Carmel is a house planted on the bedrock of Mercy values which are timeless. We focus on five Core Mercy Values which we see as foundational to the house we are building at Carmel. We sum these up in a single vision statement, which links us back to the foundress, Catherine McAuley – To see the need and make the difference”
Welcome to Carmel College
– A Catholic School for Girls.
Situated on the shores of Lake Pupuke on Auckland’s North Shore, we are an Integrated Catholic Secondary School for girls from Year 7 to 13 with a reputation for academic excellence.
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armel College is a vibrant community committed to providing young women with the best in education, empowering them to strive for excellence and inspiring them to live the values of Jesus Christ along with the Catholic and Mercy Traditions. Hard work and success are important to us. The great majority of our students go on to tertiary education although we offer suitable courses for all abilities. We encourage our students to not only excel academically but to participate in the many different sporting, cultural and leadership activities that we provide. Our students are proud to be part of Carmel College. Students who attend Carmel are hard working and disciplined, respect others and value the environment that they live in. We promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, welcoming International students from all around the world. Our aim is for a young woman to leave Carmel College a fully-developed person of integrity, initiative and caring awareness who will move out into the world to make a difference. Mrs Kathleen Deady
The History of Carmel College History Between 1824 and 1827 Catherine McAuley built a house. It still stands today on the corner of Baggot and Herbert streets in Dublin and is known as Mercy International House, as Catherine would later go on to found the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland. From here they would spread all over the world, including Aotearoa New Zealand in 1850. Catherine’s house was built with a legacy she received from the Callaghan family, a legacy which made her a millionairess in today’s term. The house was deliberately placed where the poor women it housed would be visible to the fashionable rich. There they could find employment and the upper levels of society could learn something about the importance of social equity. Catherine went on to pioneer education in her house elsewhere, using techniques she learned in France which were well in advance of the current Irish pedagogy.
From Dublin, Ireland to Auckland, New Zealand From one of the Mercy foundations, St Leo’s in Carlow, Sisters of Mercy sailed to New Zealand led by Sr Mary Cecilia Maher, at the request of the first Bishop of Oceania, Jean François Pompallier. The sisters settled in Auckland, initially near St Patrick’s Cathedral and then in New Street, Ponsonby at what is now the Motherhouse. From the early days, sisters were travelling by boat to Devonport and Takapuna to build schools, and in 1899 they bought 64 acres on the shores of Lake Pupuke for 650 pounds. The previous owner of this land was Catherine Shea, daughter of Thomas and Mary Poynton who had petitioned Rome for the appointment of a bishop to New Zealand and, in whose house at Totara Point on the Hokianga, Pompallier said the first Mass on New Zealand soil in 1838. So the links between Carmel and the beginning of the Church in Aotearoa are very strong.
From the Motherhouse to Milford Catherine’s husband, Michael Shea, had in 1884 sold some six acres to the Shakespeare family and in 1922 the Sisters of Mercy bought this land and a “seven-roomed brick house… for the purpose of establishing a holiday hostel for single women, business girls and others who may feel the need of a restful home…” (New Zealand Tablet March,1922). The house was renamed Mt Carmel Convent and tradition has it that on one copy of the plans, now lost, a little cross was drawn on the Mt Carmel Block with these words alongside: “Someday a school will be here.” Education on the site had begun by 1925 in the front room of the Convent but it was not until 1957, when the College was opened under the guidance of Sr Mary Justine with a roll of only 15, that the prophecy was realized and a school was built bit by bit. Today Carmel continues to build its house in the tradition of Mercy.
Pastoral Care Pastoral care is a living and dynamic reality that is a reflection of God’s love for us, especially as expressed in the person of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
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t is our mission to nurture a dynamic Christian community which seeks to develop the full human potential of each of its members. Hence we endeavour to ensure that our Pastoral Care is a practical and tangible expression of our love for the students entrusted in our care. The adults who have specific responsibilities for Pastoral Care are supported by the care and actions of the whole school community. Each student has the support and guidance of their Form Teacher and Year Level Dean plus access to the School Counsellor, the Careers Advisor and the Chaplain.
“Rather than just a location people come to learn at and gather at for assemblies, we are very much a community.” – Student Quote “Having been nurtured in the ‘Carmel Community’ I will always carry with me the values and lessons taught there. I will always be proud of my school, have high expectations and never settle for less.” – Student Quote
Our aim is that as a community we ‘Walk the talk of Mercy’ – Carmel College Charter
Core Mercy Values
– Goals of Carmel College
Carmel College is committed to educating and empowering young women to strive for excellence; to live the values of Jesus Christ in the Catholic and Mercy Traditions. Compassion
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We show compassion when we:
Encourage and demonstrate team spirit.
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Show openness to constructive criticism and feedback.
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Act with understanding and sensitivity towards each other.
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Work cooperatively with others.
We promote justice when we:
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Make ourselves available for others.
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Act with integrity.
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Respect and nurture the environment.
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Respect the rights of others.
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Take responsibility for our actions.
Justice
Dignity
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Preserve our resources.
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We respect human dignity when we:
Provide quality without extravagance.
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Demonstrate fairness in decisionmaking
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Affirm, celebrate and develop the talents and gifts of each person.
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Model justice in all aspects of teaching practice.
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Respect the sacredness of life.
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Care for the whole person.
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Demonstrate unity of purpose while recognizing individual differences.
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Value each person’s contribution.
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Act in a culturally appropriate manner.
Care of the Poor and Vulnerable
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Cultivate the potential for excellence in a holistic way.
We care for the poor and vulnerable when we:
Service
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Collaborate with others to share resources.
We provide service when we:
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Create access to educational opportunities.
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Create an environment of welcome and hospitality.
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Listen attentively to identify unmet needs.
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Promote quality care and excellence in teaching and learning.
Respond in a practical way to those in need.
Student Leadership student leadership structure All senior students are encouraged to show leadership within the College. Service is an important part of leadership at this level. Two Head Girls are elected by the staff and senior students to lead the student body. Other designated leadership roles are Heads of Student Council, Heads of Sports Council, Heads of Liturgy, Prefects and House Captains. There is an investiture of future office bearers during the Thanksgiving Mass at the end of each year, with the leaders of the present year handing on responsibility to the leaders of the following year. Some of the other Leadership opportunities available are in Music, the Peer Support Programme, Young Vinnies, Tuakana Atawhai, Pasifika, World Vision Famine, Human Rights, ZONTA, Environmental Group, SADD, Stage Challenge, School Performances and the Library. The School Council is made up of representatives from every form in the College. Two Heads of Council are elected annually by staff and students. The Council meets regularly and is responsible for organising school festival days as well as making recommendations to the Principal on a variety of school matters.
“To be a Carmel girl means to be a young woman who stands out from others because of her morals, her independence and her ability to see the need and take action to make it better.” – Student Quote I have gained a lot of self confidence from my time at Carmel. I now feel I have a very solid base for my future ambitions.” – Student Quote
Academic Excellence Carmel College offers our students the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualification for which we have a reputation for academic excellence. In the New Zealand Ministry of Education analysis of NCEA results, Carmel College students at Levels 1, 2 and 3 perform consistently better than the National average.
Year 7 and 8 Subjects Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Health • Physical Education • French • Japanese • Te Reo Maori • Art • Dance/Drama • Music • Information Technology • Food Technology • Materials Technology
Year 9 Subjects Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Health • Physical Education • Music • Art Optional Subjects: French • Japanese • Latin • Te Reo Maori • Technology • Junior EAP
Year 10 Subjects Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education • English • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies • Health • Physical Education Optional Subjects French • Japanese • Spanish • Business Studies • Art • Drama • Music • Food and Nutrition • Information Technology • Materials Technology • Junior EAP • Te Reo Maori
Year 11 - NCEA Level 1 Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education • Future Skills • English • English Foundation • English for Academic Purposes • Mathematics A • Mathematics B • Mathematics for Numeracy • Foundation Science • General Science
Optional Subjects: History • Geography • Physical Education • Technology - ICT • Technology – Materials • Technology - Food • Drama • Music • Art • Accounting • Economics • French • Japanese • Spanish • Future Planning • ASDAN
Year 12 - NCEA Level 2 Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education • Future Skills • English • English Foundation • English for Academic Purposes Optional Subjects Mathematics A • Mathematics B • Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • History • Geography • Tourism • Sport Leadership • Physical Education • Technology - ICT • Technology – Materials • Technology Food • Food and Nutrition • Drama •
Music • Art • Photography • History of Art • Accounting • Economics • French • Japanese • Gateway • ASDAN
Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 Compulsory Subjects: Religious Education Optional Subjects: English • English Foundation • Statistics & Modelling A • Statistics & Modelling B • Mathematics - Calculus • Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • History • Geography • Tourism • Classical Studies • Sport Leadership • Physical Education • Technology - ICT • Technology – Materials • Technology - Food • Hospitality • Drama • Music • Art (Painting, Design) • Photography • History of Art • Accounting • Economics • French • Japanese • Gateway
Image courtesy of Adrian Malloch
“Carmel College is an outstanding example of the academic quality being achieved by Catholic schools and many girls’ schools, and it flies a proud flag for the North Shore.” – Metro Magazine
Co–Curricular
Developing Confidence Outside the Classroom
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t Carmel College we encourage our students to not only excel academically but to participate in the many different sporting, cultural and leadership activities that we provide. Involvement in co-curricular activities is regarded as integral in the holistic education we offer at Carmel College.
Carmel offers a variety of cocurricular activities which: yy
enhance student learning
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broaden students’ ability to suceed
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facilitate the development of leadership skills in students
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provide the opportunity for students to celebrate the cultural diversity within our school
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create an awareness of social responsibility enabling students to live out the Mercy values in a practical way.
Sport There are many wonderful sporting and physical recreation opportunities available to our students. The Sports and PE Department, Teachers in Charge, Coaches, Team Managers, the Student Sports Leaders and Sports Council all devote time, energy and expertise to ensure that we have many exciting options available. These include: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Dragon Boating, Equestrian, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Netball, Rowing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball and Waterpolo.
Drama Theatrical, musical and dance opportunities are available outside the classroom with Carmel’s involvement in Stage Challenge, whole school productions and Performance Showcase Evenings.
Music Carmel College has a thriving Music Department which offers many opportunities for students to perform at school and community functions and inter-school competitions. Music groups include: Choirs, Orchestras, Barbershop Chorus, Barbershop Quartets, Chamber Music Groups, Flute Choir, Rock Groups and Jazz Band and Itinerant Lessons.
Clubs The following are some of the clubs/activities which Carmel students can be involved with: Amnesty International, Chess, Debating, Human Rights, Kiwi Sisters, Librarians, Muna, Pasifika Festival, Photography, SADD, SAVE – Environmental Group, Tuakana Atawhai, World Vision/Famine, Writers Club, Young Vinnies, Youth Parliament and Z Club (Zonta).
International Students Carmel College provides a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where the teachers are caring and approachable. Help is available from the Director of International Students and any teacher whenever a student needs it. Carmel College is a school with a strong focus on student learning, academic success and guidance towards future pathways. Our aim is excellence in all aspects of student life: academic, spiritual, sporting and cultural. We also strongly promote respect for others, care for the environment and service to the Community.
Background
Academic Excellence
Carmel College is located on Auckland’s North Shore, 15 minutes by bus from the city centre and within walking distance of Milford Shopping Centre and Milford Beach. The school is set in park-like grounds on the shores of Lake Pupuke. It is a State Integrated Catholic Secondary School for Girls, established in 1957 by the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy remain the proprietors of Carmel College and although they are no longer on the teaching staff, their Mercy spirit and traditions are kept alive by the current Principal and teachers. Their goal is for young women leaving Carmel College to be fully developed people of integrity, initiative and caring awareness.
The College has a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence. The New Zealand Ministry of Education’s analysis of NCEA results consistently shows that Carmel College students performed considerably better than the National Average at all levels. More significantly, our students also out performed most other Decile 10 girls’ schools. 90% of our students go on to tertiary/university studies.
Academic Programme Carmel College follows the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. Students are prepared for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Levels 1, 2, 3 & scholarship. Tuition for IELTS is also available for students who wish to apply to an overseas university for tertiary
study. An extensive range of subjects is provided to cater for the various interests and needs of the students including ESOL support for those who need it. In addition Carmel College is known for its excellent music department.
Future Pathways Carmel College provides our International Students with many opportunities to help them decide upon their career pathway once they leave the College. We do this through the expertise of our Careers Advisor, an annual Careers Expo and our unique Year 12 Work Experience Programme. Liaison Officers from each New Zealand University visit Carmel providing students with information. We facilitate access for our students to any other career or tertiary study information that they may benefit from.
“After considering which school would be the most suitable for me, my family decided to send me to Carmel College. The first day of school for most new students would be like a nightmare but at Carmel I was welcomed and felt straight away that I was involved in the community. Everyone, including the teachers was incredibly kind. I’ve never made so many friends in my life as I did on the first day at Carmel. All the teachers are so competent and every day I can see their passion for the job they do. Whenever I struggle with my study they sit next to me and help me as much as they can. The school provides invaluable opportunities to extend our experiences outside the classroom. This year I have joined in many extra-curricular activities. In every activity I enjoy being involved in school and love what I do with others in groups. Choir is a very good example of this. Joining the Choir has given me the opportunity to sing on stage in front of an audience at the ‘Big Sing’ competition. I have gained a lot of self confidence through this. I really appreciate Carmel College, the students and teachers who all share with me their experiences. I realise now that coming to Carmel was a very good decision and I look forward to the rest of my time at Carmel.” – International Student Quote
“I have a unique view of our world. Religious Education gives me a place from which to challenge popular views as does the emphasis on Mercy values as these have shaped the basis of my own moral compass.” – Student Quote
Carmel College 108 Shakespeare Road, Milford, Auckland 0620 PO Box 31142, Milford, Auckland 0741 Phone: +64 (0)9 486 1132 Fax: +64 (0)9 486 2286 E-mail: admin@carmel.school.nz www.carmel.school.nz